The world’s first FSC certified clarinet

Hanson Clarinets and Sound & Fair worked together to produce the world’s first FSC certified clarinet, establishing the chain of custody from the forests in Tanzania to the Hanson factory in Yorkshire. The project was financially supported by Comic Relief.

The award was presented by FSC UK Executive Director, Charles Thwaites, at a special concert held in Cambridge. The concert was directed by Oboist and Conductor, Nicholas Daniel, who is also a Patron of Sound & Fair. He was accompanied by Kathryn Stott, Sarah Burnett and Joy Farrall, all foremost musicians in their chosen instrument.

Charles Thwaites, said “Hanson Clarinets are pioneers of responsible timber sourcing within their industry and the Sound & Fair project is a hugely positive and successful endeavour. Together they have brought the FSC concept to a new audience and helped forest-based communities in Tanzania to protect their resources, whilst earning a decent return for the valuable FSC certified timber they sell.

“We are very grateful for all the work they and their supporters, including Comic Relief, have done to support FSC certification, not just as an environmental aim, but also as a route out of poverty for these communities.

“It was therefore also a great privilege to meet Jasper Makala and James Laizer, who have worked so hard within their communities in Tanzania to make responsibly forestry a reality.”

Neil Bridgland from Sound and Fair said, “On behalf of all the Sound & Fair campaign partners I’d like thank FSC UK for this award. It is a much welcome endorsement of all the hard carried out by all stakeholders in realising a sustainable trade in African Blackwood.”